Ultra high-density Persimmon orchards: The MACVitelli columnar single axis takes shape in Cellole, Caserta

We are in Cellole, Caserta, at the Cipolletta Agricultural Farm, an operation committed to direct field experimentation. On soils with a shallow water table, persimmons are cultivated on raised beds, with drip irrigation, permanent grass cover, and mulching to improve drainage and root oxygenation.

The starting point remains the Mataix system, which revolutionized persimmon pruning by recognizing vigorous branches as renewal structures. Building on this experience, MACVitelli, the Vitelli Columnar Single Axis, was developed from the insight of Agronomist Vito Vitelli. This training system is designed to move from managing canopy volume to creating a thin, orderly, and easily manageable productive wall that can be worked from the ground.

Mataix comparison on the left, MACVitelli on the right

The tree is maintained at approximately 2 metres in height and structured around a central axis, from which short fruiting branches develop across a maximum of three tiers. Two internal shoots, known as the “guides”, ensure the continuation of the structure. The lateral branches are used for several production cycles and then renewed through heading back cuts, preventing fruit production from moving too far away from the central axis.

MACVitelli after pruning

The real innovation lies in planting density. Under the high density Mataix system, approximately 800 to 1,000 trees per hectare can be established. With a spacing of 5 × 1 metre, MACVitelli reaches 2,000 trees per hectare. The new farm trial reduces the in row spacing to 80 centimetres, reaching 2,500 trees per hectare.

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The closer spacing reduces the amount of space available to each tree and contributes to controlling vegetative vigour. This is not simply a matter of competition for light, water, and nutrients. Research has shown that roots can perceive neighbouring plants through exudates and chemical signals. Mycorrhizal networks and possible root grafts provide additional connections. The concept of “Dialogue between roots” therefore reflects a biological reality in which competition, communication, and facilitation can coexist.

In the Cellole field, the difference between trees of the same age is already evident. Trees planted farther apart develop greater height and more wood, while closely spaced trees appear more compact and more predisposed to fruit production. International studies also confirm that low, well illuminated, and uniform canopies can bring production forward while simplifying pruning, thinning, and harvesting operations.

With 2,000 trees per hectare, an average yield of 30 kg per tree would correspond to 60 tonnes per hectare. This is a potential target, not yet an established result. It will need to be verified over several years by evaluating marketable yield, fruit size, quality, production stability, and the requirements for labour, water, and fertilisers.

MACVitelli was developed with a clear objective: more useful leaf area, less unproductive volume; more accessible fruit, fewer cuts; greater precision, fewer wasted resources. The path has been established. Now the field will deliver the final verdict.

 

Editorial Note:
Original content prepared by Agronomist Dr Vito Vitelli, developed and optimised with the support of artificial intelligence tools for educational, informational, and technical communication purposes.

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